Attendance
Ann Arbor Public Schools encourages regular attendance in school by all of our students. Regular school attendance is not only a requirement but also a key factor in academic achievement and social development. Absences disrupt a student’s learning process, and much of what happens in the classroom environment cannot be replicated for a student who misses time in class.
Where do you communicate your student absences?
Absence Reporting Procedure: If your student will be absent from school for any reason, please report the absence. Families can report an absence using our attendance line or the HHS Absence Form.
- Attendance Phone Number: 734-994-4327
- ABSENCE FORM
When you need to report your child's absence, please make sure to provide the following information:
- Your Name and Relationship to the Student
- Student's Name (Please spell the last name to ensure accuracy.)
- Student I.D. Number
- Grade Level
- Date(s) and Time(s) of Absence
- Reason for Absence
- If sick or with fever, does your child have a communicable disease
The Student's Duty is to:
- Be in the classroom when the second bell rings.
- Make arrangements with their teacher to make up work upon return from an excused absence.
- Know their attendance record.
- Attend all classes unless excused by a parent or guardian, are excused by a school-sponsored activity (e.g., AWAY athletic game)
- Inform their teacher of the excused absence ahead of time, and complete assignments beforehand, if possible.
- Complete and submit a Pre-Planned Absence Form to their grade level principal for extended absences, for approval.
Attendance Letter to Families
- 24-25 Arabic: HHS Attendance Matters - Absence Reporting & FAQs
- 24-25 Chinese: HHS Attendance Matters - Absence Reporting & FAQs
- 24-25 English: HHS Attendance Matters - Absence Reporting & FAQs
- 24-25 Japanese: HHS Attendance Matters - Absence Reporting & FAQs
- 24-25 Korean: HHS Attendance Matters - Absence Reporting & FAQs
- 24-25 Spanish: HHS Attendance Matters - Absence Reporting & FAQs
Multiple Absences May Be a Warning Sign
“Michigan Law requires communication regarding compulsory attendance. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to assure their student attends school.”
What can you do to support your student’s attendance?
- Communicate early and often with the school, sharing as much detail as possible.
- Support sleep hygiene at home so your teen is able to wake up refreshed and ready to learn. Research shows that teens need between 8-10 hours of sleep.
- Communicate the importance of daily attendance with your child.
What is the law in Michigan regarding compulsory attendance?
“The law in Michigan governing compulsory attendance requires a parent, legal guardian, or other person having control or charge of a child aged six to sixteen to send the child to school during the entire school year, except under the limited circumstances specified in subsection (3) of section 380.1561… The exceptions include, but are not limited to, sending the child to a state-approved, nonpublic school or educating the child at home in an organized educational program. Although the compulsory school attendance law does not apply to children under the age of six, a child who is at least five years of age by December 1 of the school year and is a resident of a school district which provides kindergarten work is entitled to enroll in the kindergarten [MCL 380.1147]. Link “
Why is attendance important at Huron High School?
Huron High School offers an in-person education environment. Simply asking for “the work” will not adequately prepare students for success. Success at in-person school includes participation with peers as well direct interaction with the teacher. If you are interested in an online, remote, asynchronous model of education, contact A2 Virtual or your child’s counselor.
Who can you talk to about getting help with your student’s attendance?
There are many reasons that parents or family members may be having a hard time getting a child to school. Causes of truant behavior include, but are not limited to physical and mental health problems, substance abuse, drug use, perception of self, and detachment from school.
Who can help?
If you are struggling with getting your teenager to school, you reach out to your child’s Teachers, School Counselor, the School Nurse, Building Principals, Case Managers (Special Education or English Language Learners) or School Social Workers.
Many factors like having a safe, reliable, transportation plan for attending school every day is key and should be considered.
School counselors are here to support students’ mental and physical well-being. We know that mental or physical illness might be the cause. Our counselors are available to connect you with school, district and community resources. Please contact your child’s counselor.
